Bicycle accidents happen regularly in Missouri, especially in highly populated cities like St Louis and Kansas City. If you have been in a bicycle accident, it is important to know what you should do afterward to protect yourself and your legal claim.
Call 911
One of the first things you should do is call 911 immediately to report your bicycle accident and request emergency medical personnel. If you have been seriously injured, be careful moving because you could cause yourself an additional injury, especially to your spinal cord. It is important to file a police report because you will need that report later when you file an insurance claim.
Take Photos of the Accident Scene
If taking photos or video footage of the accident scene would put yourself or other people at risk, do not do it. However, if you can safely do so, take pictures of the scene of the bicycle accident. Try to take photos of any conditions or factors that led up to the accident. Include photos of the placement of the passenger vehicle that collided with you.
Collect Contact Information
If you see any eyewitnesses at the bicycle accident scene, you should ask for their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is often crucial when it comes to proving liability and fault for the bicycle accident. Collect the contact information from the driver involved, including his or her driver’s license number and insurance information.
Undergo a Thorough Medical Evaluation
In many cases, you will not feel the full extent of your injuries immediately after the accident. After being involved in a serious accident, people experience shock and an adrenaline rush to cover up their symptoms. That is why we recommend undergoing a thorough medical evaluation. Tell the doctor who is examining you all of your symptoms and pain. Receiving medical treatment will protect your health and help you protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Insurance companies are notorious for arguing that your injuries are not as severe as you claim them to be. They may even say that your injuries pre-existed the bicycle accident. Creating a trail of medical documents that prove the severity of your injuries will help you obtain the total amount of compensation you deserve.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
As soon as you have received treatment from a medical doctor, we recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company will probably begin contacting you as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you do not unintentionally admit fault when you provide them with a statement. Contact Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your free initial consultation to learn how we can advocate for you so you can focus on your recovery.
